Posted on 09/03/2018 4:24:51 AM PDT by markomalley
The Pentagon is considering withdrawing nearly all American commandos from Niger in the wake of a deadly October ambush that killed four United States soldiers.
Three Defense Department officials said the plans, if approved by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, would also close military outposts in Tunisia, Cameroon, Libya and Kenya, as well as seven of the eight American elite counterterrorism units operating in Africa.
The shift in forces is part of the Pentagon’s defense strategy to focus on threats from China and Russia. But they represent a more severe cut of Special Operations forces in Africa than initially expected, leaving a lasting, robust military presence primarily in Somalia and Nigeria.
The proposal does not say that any additional troops would return to Africa even as Special Operations units gradually draw down. Officials said that could reverse progress that has been made against Al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, while diminishing alliances across Africa as both Russia and China move to increase their influence.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Marble, you are hilarious. ROFL.
Maybe something like..."May you live in interesting times". A reverse curse if you will.
Niger has uranium.
“October?”
Last October. I think that was when Trump-haters LEAKED word of the operation, or at least that was suspected...our men never had a chance.
Better than Afganistan
Why are we wasting time and lives trying to fight other folks fights for them?
If they do not wish to survive on their own, how will they ever advance as a people?
Why did 8 years go to waste before Trump arrived? ‘Soft’ power works against terrorists? That was the doctrine for 8 years and more..
The Dark Continent is as short of solid leadership as ever... and still full of resources and riches that need not be exploited by others if corruption wasn’t so rampant in gubamints run by thugs and shysters.
Special Ops would appreciate a little time to regroup, I’m sure.. and a clearer mission next go around.
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